Accident
While cruising under visual flight rules (VFR) at night, the crew of an airplane requested an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance from air traffic control. While awaiting the clearance, the crew became lost and disoriented. The aircraft subsequently struck the slope of a mountain located near Kerhonkson. Both pilots sustained slight injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed in the impact.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the aircraft struck an unlighted mountain ridge approximately 7 miles to the right of the intended course while the crew was waiting for the IFR clearance. The accident occurred during nighttime conditions, and the crew had been operating under VFR before requesting the clearance.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain, resulting from improper in-flight decisions or planning. The crew became lost and disoriented, and the aircraft collided with an unlighted mountain ridge while awaiting the IFR clearance.